US2749823A - Transportable engine mounting - Google Patents

Description

June 12, 1956 M; J. MITCHELL TRANSPORTABLE ENGINE MOUNTING 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 21, 1951 INVENTOR. MEL V/LLEJ MITCHELL BY fly,

MM 1- WQ-Qf ATTORNEYS June 12, 1956 Filed Sept. 21, 1951 M. J. MITCHELL TRANSPORTABLE ENGINE MOUNTING 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. MELV/LLt'J MITCHELL BY Que, 025;;

/4#M1W;4k ATTORNEYS United States Patent TRANSPORTABLE ENGINE MOUNTING Melville J. Mitchell, Birmingham, Mich, assignor to Harry Ferguson, Inc., Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Application September 21, 1951, Serial No. 247,725

6 Claims. (Cl. 97--34) The invention relates to an improved mounting for engines and particularly for engines adapted to be interchangeably associated with a number of different machines,"implements or other apparatus to be driven.

The present invention may be utilized to particular advantage in connection with implements and machines employed in farmingoperations, although it is by no means limitedto that particular field of use. Thus, modern' mechanized farms frequently include in their equipment engine driven implements such asbalers, corn pickers, combines, forage harvester, etc. and machines such as feed grinders, mills, pumps, etc., which are only used occasionally andthen only one at a time. Obviously considerable saving in initial. equipment costs can be realized if one engine is used interchangeably with those implements or machines.

Such engine interchange has not been satisfactory heretofore for various reasons. For one thing, the engines required for'driving machines of the above general character are heavy and bulky and therefore 'difiicult to handl'e. Moreover, the engine must be accurately located with reference to the driven part of the machine and it must. be firmly and rigidly secured in place. The time and labor required for this purpose has made engine interchange impractical.

With the above in view, one object'of the invention is to'provide an engine mounting which materially simplifies the handling of an engine and enables it to be moved about or transferred from one. location to another through the medinmof the power operated hitch linkage provided on certain types of tractors;

Another object is to provide an engine mounting including'a supporting frame which may be quicklyand easily attached to and detached from a subframe more or less permanently associated with the implement or machine to be driven by the engine and which when attached accurately locates and rigidly supports the engine in operating position.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an engine mounting embodying the features of the invention showing an engine assembled thereon and the assembly in process of being raised by the hitch links of a tractor.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the engine mounting supported on and secured to a subframe associated with an implement.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the engine mounting showing the structure for attachment to the tractor hitch linkage.

Fig. 4 is a side view showing the engine mounting and engine supported in a raised position by the hitch linkage of the tractor.

Fig. '5 is a transverse sectional view of the mounting frame showing the manner in which the engine is secured thereon.

For purposes of illustration the improved engine mount- 2,749,823 Patented June 12, 1956 ing has been shown in a form particularly adapted for handling by a tractor equipped with a power operated hitch linkage of the type disposed in the Ferguson Pat ent No. 2,118,180, issued May 24, 1938. The exemplary mounting has been shown as constructed for-attachment to implements or machines of the type commonly used in farming operations. It is to be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the in vention to use in that particular environment, nor is it the intention to limit the invention to the details of construction illustrated. Onthe contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

In carrying out the invention, I provide what maybe conveniently called an auxiliary engine assembly comprising an internal combustion engine and means whereby the assembly may be detachably secured alternatively to any one of a series of supporting structures or to the power operated hitch links of a tractor. When secured to a supporting structure, the engine is available for driving the implement or machine with which the structure is associated. Transfer from one implement or machine to another is effected by securing the engine assembly to the tractor hitch links, thus enabling the tractor to raise, lower or transport the assembly as required.

The securing means of the engine assembly may be associated with the engine in any suitable manner.- As a matter of convenience the association is preferably effected through the medium of a frame 10 upon which the engine, indicated generally at 11, may be more -or less permanently mounted. This frame is constructed and arranged for quick and easy attachment to and detachment from various supporting structures, each of which desirablyincludes a pair of supporting elements or pads 12 and 13 spaced apart for cooperation with the frame adjacent its opposite ends. In this organization the frame 10 also carries the securing means by which the engine assembly may be temporarily coupled to the tractor hitch links.

The exemplary engine mounting has been shown in a form particularly adapted'to be handled by tractors having a three link power operated hitch of the type disclosed in the Ferguson patent above referred to. As shown in Figs. 1 and 4 of the drawings, the hitch comprises a pair of laterally spaced rearwardly diverging lower or draft links 15 and 16 respectively trailingly pivoted as at 17 for universal swinging movement at opposite sides of the tractor diiferential housing 18. The pivotal axis of the links is below and slightly forward of the rear axle housing 19 upon which the rear drive wheels 20 of the tractor are mounted.

Each draft link is provided at its rear or free end with a ball type connecting element 21 apertured to receive a connecting pin provided on the implement or other apparatus with which the hitch is to be connected. Intermediate their ends the draft links 15 and 16 are connected by drop links 22 with crank arms 23 fixed on a transverse shaft 24 journaled in a cover plate 25 which closes the upper end of the housing '18. A power unit (not shown) within the housing is is operative to rock the shaft 23 for raising and lowering the draft links, as explained in detail in the above mentioned Ferguson patent.

The third or top link 26 of the hitch is disposed substantially centrally of and above the draft links 15 and 16. At its forward end the top link as is connected to the housing 18 by connecting elements which, in the handling of engine mountings, have no other function than providing a pivotal connection for the link upon the housing 18.

For use with three-link hitches of the type above described, the engine mounting frame 10 is provided with three connecting members including laterally spaced outside members 31 and 32 having coupling elements for attachment to the respective draft links 15 and 16 and a central member 33 for attachment to the top link 26. The connecting members are disposed so as to conform to the triangular arrangement of the hitch links, that is, so as to present their coupling elements at the apices of a triangle disposed in a generally vertical plane with its base lowermost and substantially horizontal. With this arrangement, the mounting may be supported from the hitch links in a stable condition without lateral tilting. Moreover, the engine and frame assembly is maintained in a substantially upright position throughout its range of vertical movement by the hitch links.

Turning now to a more detailed description of the construction of the preferred form of the engine mounting and referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the frame 10 comprises front and rear angle members 35 and 36 and cross members 37 rigidly joined as by welding to form a rigid structure. Front and rear brackets 38 and 39 are provided on the frame 10 for mounting the engine 11 thereon. The bracket 38 as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and comprises a flat metal plate extending between the front and rear frame members and welded thereto. The central portion of the plate 38 is extended upwardly from the plane of the frame for cooperation with the downwardly extending leg of an L-shaped front bracket 40 rigidly secured to the underside of the engine housing, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 5. The brackets are apertured for the reception of a bolt 41 by which they may be rigidly secured together.

The rear bracket 39 as shown comprises an inverted generally U-shaped stamping extending between and welded to the front and rear frame members 35 and 36. For use with the particular engine illustrated which has its rear portion offset upwardly with respect to the; front portion, the bracket 39 is made substantially higherithan the front bracket 38, as will be seen by reference to Fig. 5. At its upper end the bracket 39 is shaped to provide a flat engine supporting surface and the engine is secured thereto at two laterally spaced points. In the exemplary embodiment the securing means includes a bolt 42 (Fig. 4) extending through the bracket and through a lug 43 on the engine housing and a screw 44 extending through the bracket and threaded into a socket provided in the underside of the engine housing.

Referring now to Fig. 3 of the drawings, it will be observed that the coupling brackets 31-33 are mounted on and secured to the rear frame member or angle 36 which is arranged to face rearwardly or outwardly of the frame. The two outside brackets 31 and 32 are alike, each comprising a channel shaped member having welded at one end an L-shaped shoe 45 shaped to fit into the corner defined by the rear angle and adapted to be rigidly secured thereto as by bolts 46. The arrangement is such that the brackets extend diagonally upwardly and rearwardly from the frame. Adjacent their upper ends the brackets 31 and 32 carry linch pins 47 for reception in the apertured ball elements 21 of the lower hitch links and 16 of the tractor. In the present instance the linch pins 47 are welded or otherwise permanently secured to therespective brackets so as to project at the inner sides of the brackets.

The center coupling member 33 is dimensioned to extend substantially higher than the companion brackets to conform to the triangular disposition of the tractor hitch links as explained heretofore. This bracket also comprises a channel member having an L-shaped shoe 48 welded to its lower end. The shoe fits into the corner defined by the rear frame member and is secured thereto as by bolts 49.

In order to locate the upper end of the center coupiing member 33 in proper relation to the corresponding ends of the companion coupling members so as to hold the engine and frame assembly in an upright position, the

coupling member is bent intermediate its ends so that the lower portion is inclined upwardly and rearwardly similar to the outside coupling members and the upper end portion is disposed substantially vertically. Provision is made for coupling the upper end of the member 33 to the top link 26 of the hitch in a manner which permits limited fore and aft adjustment of the point of connection. For this purpose a yoke 50 is mounted in straddling relation to the upper end of the coupling member 33 and is pivotally secured thereto as by a bolt 51. The yoke 59 is shaped to provide upwardly projecting ears 52 spaced apart for the reception of the link 26 and apertured as at 53 for the reception of a linch pin by which the link is secured to the member. To provide the fore and aft adjustment above referred to, the side portions of the link adjacent its lower end are formed with arcuate slots 54 adapted to receive a bolt 55 extending through the coupling member, which bolt can be tightened to lock the yoke in any adjusted position.

To reduce the strains on the frame member 36 and to assist in maintaining the coupling member 33 rigid, an auxiliary supporting bracket 56 is welded to the intermediate portion of the member so as to project forwardly for connection with the engine 11. This may be effected in any preferred manner as, for example, by means of one of the engine assembly bolts 57, as shown in Fig. 3.

With the coupling members connected to the tractor hitch links as above described, the engine and frame assembly can be quickly and easily raised or lowered with respect to the supporting structure on which it is to be used and as easily transported from one place to another. The exemplary frame 10 is designed for association with the laterally spaced supporting elements 12 and 13. As herein shown the supporting elements are in the form of downwardly facing channel shaped brackets respectively welded at their forward ends to a cross member 60 constituting a part of the frame of an agricultural implement. The particular implement shown is adapted to be drawn by a tractor through the medium of a hitch member 61. The implement frame member also carries guiding and securing elements 62 for the engine mounting which may conveniently constitute inverted upwardly projecting V-shaped straps welded to the member 60 adjacent the brackets 12 and 13.

For locating the engine and frame assembly and for securing it in place on the implement frame, the brackets 12 and 13 are formed with bolt receiving apertures adapted to register with complemental apertures in the elements of the frame 10. Thus the bracket 12 is formed with an aperture 63 (Fig. 1) registering with an aperture in the rear frame member 36 for the reception of a bolt 64 (Fig. 3). The bracket 13 is preferably formed with transverse slots 67 spaced apart to register with apertures 68 in the front and rear frame members for the accommodation of bolts (Figs. 2 and 3). The provision of slots in this supporting element enables the engine and frame assembly to be located accurately on the implement frame and at the same time facilitates the assembly of the bolts therewith. Additionally the front frame member 35 is formed with apertures 66a (Fig. 5) positioned to aline with the V-shaped straps 62 and bolts 66 inserted through those apertures and straps provide fur- .ther anchorage for the engine and frame assembly.

Cooperating guide means are provided on the engine mounting frame 10 and the supporting structure to facilitate centering of the engine and frame assembly and alinement of the various bolt holes when the assembly is being mounted. As herein shown, the brackets 12 and 13 are utilized as the stationary elements of the guide means and cooperating elements in the form of elongated metal bars 69 (Figs. 2, 3 and 5) are provided on the underside of the frame 10. Preferably the brackets are constructed to present their inner edges normal to the axis of the frame member 60 and the adjacent edges of the bars 69 are arranged to converge forwardly. It will be appreciated that the bars are spaced apart laterally so as'to ,fit between the brackets. Accordingly, when the frame and engine assembly is set on the brackets 12 and 13'jwith'the guide bars 69 disposed between the brackets, the assembly can be accurately centered by simply pushing it forwardly. If the initial centering is not correct the inclined edge of one or the other of the guide bars engages the adjacent bracket to cam the assembly into its proper position.

The mounting frame may also be provided with various brackets or other appurtenances for accessories associated with the particular engine to be mounted on the frame. It will be understood, of -course, that suchapparatus may vary somewhat for different engines. The engine 11 illustrated is a tractor engine modified slightly for use as an auxiliary power plant and it is equipped with all necessary accessories to make it a complete self-contained power unit.

One modification from the conventional production tractor engine is the provision of a forwardly projecting drive shaft 70 which may be driven from the regular engine drive shaft through suitable gearing and a clutch enclosed in a housing 71. Any preferred means may be provided for engaging and disengaging the clutch such as pivoted hand lever 72 (Figs. 1 and 2). In the present instance the hand lever is fixed at one end of a shaft 73 journaled in a sleeve 74 carried between two spaced brackets 75 attached to and extending upwardly from the front frame member 35. At its other end the shaft 73 has a crank arm 76 connected through a suitable linkage to the clutch actuator.

The engine illustrated is protected by a hood 77 which may enclose the usual fuel tank and radiator. A panel 78 equipped with the usual instruments together with a starter switch 79, a throttle control 80 and choke lever 81 is desirably provided at the side of the engine facing the implement where it is readily accessible to the operator of the tractor. The clutch lever 72 is likewise located at the implement side of the engine so that the clutch may be engaged or disengaged without requiring the operator to dismount from the tractor.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the invention provides a novel engine mounting which makes it practical to use a single auxiliary engine for driving a number of different farm implements or machines. The advantages of engine driven equipment may thus be realized with a relatively small initial investment. Moreover, with the improved engine mounting the transfer of the engine from one implement to another becomes so simple and easy that one man with a properly equipped tractor can do the job easily and in a minimum amount of time.

To remove the engine from one implement it is only necessary to back the tractor to the rear of the implement and connect the three hitch links to the coupling members 31, 32 and 33. This is done in the same simple manner that the hitch links are connected to an implement. If necessary the fitting 52 on the center coupling element 33 can be adjusted fore and aft to aline the linch pin holes in its ears with the hole in the top link of the hitch.

After effecting the connection with the tractor hitch links the bolts 64, 65 and 66 which secure the frame 10 to the implement are removed. The engine and frame assembly may then be lifted by the power actuated hitch links and, while in such raised position, the tractor can transport the assembly to the place at which it is to be used. It will be appreciated, of course, that the tractor may serve as a support for the engine while it is used to drive a machine, if that should be desirable.

Mounting the engine and frame assembly on another implement or machine is equally quick and easy. The tractor is simply backed into a position in which the engine supporting frame can be lowered onto the supporting structure in approximately the proper position. It will be understood, of course, that the frame is placed so that the guide .bars 69;are locatedbetween the supports 12 and 13 and preferably with .the framesomewhat to the rear of its normal mountedposition. With the mounting frame 10- resting on the supports, the frame andengine assembly are shifted forwardly and, through the action of the guide bars and brackets, the various bolt holes are automatically alined. Securing bolts 64, 65 and 66 are then applied and the engine is ready for connection withthe driven apparatus. Upon disconnection of the tractor links the tractor may be driven away forits normal use.

I .claimas my invention:

1. For use with supporting structures each including a pair of laterally spaced supporting pads presenting horizontal top surfaces and-having. their inner edges generally paralleL-an engine. mountingcomprising an elongated generally rectangular fr'ame adapted to extend over said supporting padsandreston' their top surfaces, said frame and said pads having apertures adapted to register for the reception of connecting bolts when the frame is properly positioned on the pads, and a pair of guide bars secured to the underside of said frame and spaced apart to fit between the supporting pads, said bars having their outer edges converging forwardly and positioned to cooperate with the inner edges of the pads for positioning the frame thereon as it is moved forwardly in a direction generally parallel to the edges of the pads.

2. The combination with an implement frame having a pair of rigid brackets projecting therefrom and presenting generally horizontal supporting surfaces, of an engine mounting comprising a generally rectangular frame including front and rear frame members rigidly connected by transverse members, one of said brackets being detachably secured to the rear frame member and the other of said brackets being detachably secured to both frame members, and connecting elements on the implement frame adjacent said brackets detachably secured to said first frame member.

3. The combination with an implement frame having a pair of rigid brackets projecting therefrom and presenting generally horizontal supporting surfaces, of an engine mounting comprising a frame including front and rear angle members arranged to face in the same direction and having their flanges disposed in horizontal and vertical planes, the horizontal flanges of said members coacting with said supporting surfaces, said horizontal flanges and said brackets having alined apertures for the reception of fastening elements securing the frame to the brackets, and securing elements on the implement frame extending above said supporting surfaces adjacent the inner ends of said brackets, said securing elements and the adjacent vertical flange of the front frame member being apertured for the reception of fastening elements.

4. A mounting for detachably securing an engine to a supporting structure and to a tractor having power lift linkage comprising a rigid frame, means for rigidly securing the engine to said frame, means rigid with said frame and arranged for detachable pivotal connection to the tractor linkage, means for detachably securing said rigid frame to said supporting structure, and guide means on said frame cooperatively arranged with respect to an adjacent surface of the supporting structure to position said frame on the structure.

5. A mounting for detachably securing an engine to a supporting structure and to a tractor having an upper link and power operated horizontally spaced lower links comprising, in combination, a rigid frame, brackets on said frame for rigidly attaching the engine thereto, a plurality of spaced coupling members rigid with said frame, each of said members having elements for pivotal connection with one of the links of the tractor, connecting elements for detachably securing said frame to the supporting structure, and guide surfaces on said frame cooperative with adjacent surfaces of the supporting structure to position said frame upon the structure.

6. For use with a tractor having a hitch comprising an upper link and power operated horizontally spaced lower links, the combination comprising a rigid frame, brackets on said frame for rigidly attaching an engine thereto, a plurality of spaced coupling members rigid with said frame, each of said members having elements for pivotal connection with one of the links of the tractor, an implement structure having a supporting surface for said frame, said frame and implement structure having aligned apertures for the reception of fastening elements rigidly connecting said frame to said implement structure, and guide surfaces on said frame and support structure cooperatively arranged to position said frame on said support structure.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,475,223 Cushman Nov. 27, 1923 8 Erickson Aug. 16, Griese Nov. 8, Oechsle May 19, Garson June 2, Riley July 18, Heaslet Apr. 17, Straube June 26, Baumgardner Aug. 11, Cline et a1. Dec. 6, Westmoreland Apr. 27, Wondra Feb. 22, Grabert Mar. 15, Hammond May 17, Donald Nov. 29,

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